A report of gunfire sent deputies scrambling through a West Portsmouth apartment complex as officers searched for a suspected shooter and tried to sort out conflicting witness accounts.
Officers were called to Lett Terrace in West Portsmouth after a 911 caller reported shots fired near a dumpster. The caller told dispatch that two men—one wearing a gray hoodie and another in a black hoodie—were possibly involved.
When a Scioto County deputy arrived, a male victim reported that someone had fired shots at him. Officers were told the suspected shooter lived in the area and was last seen walking toward the highway. The suspect was described as a white male of medium build wearing a dark or black shirt, and it was unknown whether he was still armed.
Apartments Searched, Evidence Found
Deputies were given permission by a resident to search inside an apartment as part of the investigation. Officers canvassed the area, searched multiple apartments, and located at least one shell casing, confirming that gunfire had occurred.
Deputies also contacted Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority to determine whether security camera footage might be available to help identify the suspect.
Conflicting Information Complicates Investigation
As the search continued, officers reported receiving conflicting information about the suspect, making it difficult to determine exactly who fired the shots or where the individual went after the incident.
No injuries were reported, and no arrests were announced as of the initial investigation. Deputies continued working to piece together witness statements, physical evidence, and any available video.
The incident underscores how quickly a shots-fired call can escalate into a major police response—especially in a residential area where the suspect may blend back into the neighborhood.
